Procrastination seems to be a companion for most of us. Given enough leeway, we will put most anything off that we can. This is especially true for the activities we deem difficult. It seems that human nature is to put things off until the last moment and then rush to get them done. In fact, there are many people who take tremendous pride in being able to get things done just in the nick of time.



Life has a way of delivering deadlines. April 15th is one that comes to mind. The bills that we have due each month all have a payment due date. Projects at work must be completed by the next meeting. And, of course, there is a time at which we must meet the in-laws. Unfortunately, a missed deadline has a variety of negative consequences. The pressure associated with this adds to the chaotic state that we tend to operate in under this scenario. This is when many of us experience overwhelm.

Nevertheless, deadlines seem to be some of the best motivators. Regardless of the pressure of the situation, people have a tendency to step up when given a deadline. Basically, they get it done. Sometimes it is a “fly of the cuff’ at the last possible minute or it can be a larger project broken down into time segments to meet it. Either way, they motivate us to get busy taking action.

How can we use this to our advantage without adding to the stress in our lives? The answer is to impose our own deadlines. When we set the timeframe, we thus dictate the pace at which we operate. This gives us control over the situation while relieving the pressure that others (people or institutions) put on us.

Procrastination tends to happen until a deadline is set. If there is no deadline, we will put something off forever. Is there anything around the house that you were meaning to fix for the past few years (or decades)? In these situations, implement a self-imposed deadline to finish the activity. Commit to having it done by that date. Act as if your life depended on getting it done. Suddenly, you will find the time to do it.

If a deadline already exists, the way to control the situation is to create your own deadline ahead of the other one. This allows for some leeway in case of something unforeseen. The pressure is lessened since it is you applying it rather than someone or something outside of yourself. Naturally, be aware of the desire to procrastinate because you realize that your deadline is not the “real" one. Again, approach the activity as if your life depended upon getting it done by that date you set. You will quickly see yourself getting more done with less stress.